Zygaenid Moth (Zygaenidae Chalcosiinae Chalcosia Retina rubrvitta - Walker, 1854)

Found as a larva in Choi Sai Woo Park, North Point, Hong Kong on June 10, 1999.  It has subsequently been found to feed on Aporusa dioica, whereas, the Taiwan similar species feeds on Azelea.  The Hong Kong larvae refused to eat this plant.  Yen Shen Horn has verified from genitalia examination that the Hong Kong species is rubrivitta.


Probably a 2nd instar larva.


Probably a 3rd instar larva.


A mature larva, probably female judging from it's larger size.
Note the blackening of the three middle yellow spots;
the larva turned out to be parasitized by a Tachnid fly.


A mature larva and a young one about 3 instars away from final form.
The mature larva was about 13 mm / 0.5 inch.
The cocoon was typical for a Zygaenid moth, brown in color.


The newly emerged moth in rest position.
The moth emerged on June 26, 1999

Top and Underside views of the male moth in rest position
Wingspan was about 3.6 cm / 1.4 inches
 

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kilroy
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This page last updated 21-May-2007.